NEW ORLEANS -- Even most die hard fans don't know their names, but Brian Jennings and Morgan Cox could decide Sunday's Super Bowl game between the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens.
So who are these guys?
San Francisco's Jennings and Baltimore's Cox are long-snappers. All booming punts and successful field goals start with them.
"I see myself in just a supporting role, so they can do their best," said Cox of his relationship with kicker Justin Tucker and holder Sam Koch.
Other than a head coach, however, no one appreciates a good snapper more than Kevin Gold, a lawyer based in Harrisburg, Pa.
"Snappers are people, too," said Gold. "They're not getting a lot of respect -- until something goes wrong."
Gold tracks every single long snapper -- both pro and college -- on his blog, LongSnap.com. He's also an agent and has represented dozens of snappers in negotiations with NFL teams.
Finding work for new snappers is tough, however; each of the 32 NFL teams carries just one long snapper. "I equate it to becoming a President or a U.S. Senator," said Gold, of Rhoads & Sinon, LLP.
Snappers bend over backwards -- O.K., make that forwards -- for the good of the team.
Gold gives a slight snapping edge to San Francisco. Jennings has more experience; he's been in the league for 13 seasons and has made two Pro Bowls.
Winning or losing a Super Bowl title could be in the hands of the long snappers, says Gold.
"Special teams is one-third of the game and with games being decided by so few points; its very possible that a clean snap could make a difference," he said.
"I really certainly don't want a bad snap to make a difference."
Editor's Note: This story originally aired on CBS 21 News on January 31, 2013.
